JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam – Detailed Analysis of All Shifts, Cut-Off to Decline

JEE Main 2026 Session witnessed JEE Advanced-Level Questions in Every Shift

The January session of JEE Main 2026 concluded successfully on Thursday, 29 January. The session began on 21st January, and the B.Arch. and B.Planning papers were conducted on the final day, 29 January.

Previously, the exam for B.Tech. and B.E courses was conducted in a total of 10 shifts. The level of competition in the exam was quite high, especially among B.Tech. candidates.

Advanced-level questions in every shift, increasing difficulty for students

An analysis of all shift papers has revealed that the National Testing Agency (NTA) asked 2 to 3 questions in each shift of JEE Main, which were close to the level of JEE Advanced. These questions left even well-prepared students confused. Therefore, the number of students achieving a perfect score, i.e., 300 out of 300, is likely to be very limited.

Evening Shift on January 23rd is the most difficult

Out of all the 10 shifts, the evening shift on January 23rd is considered the most difficult. Mathematics and Physics were relatively difficult in this shift. Many students reported that the frequent, lengthy and time-consuming questions made paper management difficult.

Mathematics was the most lengthy

This year, Mathematics truly tested students in JEE Main.

Questions were long
Calculations were time-consuming
The weightage of the Class 11 syllabus was relatively high

Due to the longer time taken in Mathematics, many students had to skip easier questions from other subjects.

Chemistry will be the rank decider

While Mathematics was difficult and Physics was challenging in some shifts, Chemistry provided a balance.

Chemistry questions were mostly straightforward and concept-based.
Students who scored strongly in Chemistry will have a clear advantage in ranking.
Chemistry can play a key role in tie-breaking situations.

Physics level: Easy to Moderate

Except for the evening shift on January 23rd, Physics level was easy to moderate in most shifts. Physics proved to be a scoring subject due to its formula-based and clear concepts.

Possibility of a Decline in Cut-offs

Given the overall level of the paper, it is estimated that:

This year, the JEE Main cut-off to qualify for JEE Advanced may be lower than last year.
There will be significantly fewer students scoring 300/300.
More students may fall within the average score range.

Expert Strategy for JEE Main Session 2

Experience from Session 1 has revealed some key strategies for Session 2:

Students who solved 40–50 questions in 1 to 1.25 hours benefited.
Continuously mulling over long questions wasted time.
Missing easy questions was a significant loss.

Key points to keep in mind while preparing for Session 2:

Solve long calculation questions later.
Target short and direct questions first.
Pay special attention to time management in mock tests.
Choose questions wisely, even while in the flow.

Now what’s next?

The January session results are expected to be released on February 12th. After this, students’ full focus will shift to preparing for the April session and JEE Advanced. This analysis of the January session clearly indicates that smart strategies and the right subject balance are the keys to success.

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Aabshar Hassan Quazi

Aabshar H. Quazi is a seasoned education writer associated with ALLEN Career Institute, where he crafts insightful blogs on competitive exam trends, student journeys, and academic guidance. With a background in journalism, Aabshar has worked as Principal Correspondent for Hindustan Times, honing his skills in storytelling, analysis, and impactful reporting. His writing blends credibility with clarity, making complex topics accessible for students and parents alike.